Coalition of King Street Restaurants to Donate 500 Turkeys This Holiday Season


TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Several of Toronto’s top restaurants and bars have come together to launch King West Cares, a community program built on the importance of celebrating with loved ones and breaking bread together. As the holidays quickly approach, King West Cares is working to make the holiday season a little easier this year by donating 500 turkeys.

Participating venues include The Citizen, Baro, Petty Cash, Everleigh and Wildflower who will donate 500 turkeys on December 22nd, from 1:00pm - 4:00pm to those who need it the most.  This will mark the inaugural year for the program with hopes to include more participating venues that will expand its ability to truly make a difference in future years.

“Our goal is for King West Cares to become an annual program that not only serves those in need in our city, but also serves as an opportunity to bring together the hospitality sector as a community doing good for others,” said Matty Tsourmaris, King West Cares.

Some of the donated turkeys have already been earmarked for key organizations including Second Harvest, Parkdale Foodbank, Basket Bigrade Canada, Toronto downtown public schools, Toronto city daycares, 14 Division, Queen West Central Toronto Community Health Centre and more. In addition, members of the community have been nominated to receive a turkey for the holidays. The allotted turkeys will be distributed on December 22, 2018 at The Citizen located at 522 King Street West between 1:00 pm- 4:00pm. This inaugural event is open to the community and is expected to help hundreds of local families through the turkey giveaway. As a number of the turkeys are promised to members of the community, King West Cares will be distributing 100 turkeys to those who visit The Citizen between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

“The establishments on King West have a tremendous ability to bring people together. It’s important as a restaurant community that we take time, especially during the holidays, to combine our resources and networks to help out in any way that we can,” said Tsourmaris.

In addition to the donation of 500 turkeys, King West Cares will also be providing coffee and treats for those who join us. Torontonians are encouraged to come check out the initiative and experience the festivities.

“We hope that more venues on King West, and beyond, hear about the initiative and come by as we are also accepting toys and other food items to give to families,” said Tsourmaris.  “If you are in a position to help, please consider coming by and showing your support on December 22.”

About King West Cares

King West Cares was launched by five local establishments including The Citizen, Baro, Petty Cash, Everleigh, and Wildflower. The inaugural event will take place on December 22nd from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at The Citizen, located at 522 King Street West.

Media inquiries: laura@bluedoorcommunications.ca